No, it’s not what you would normally visualize when you hear the word “castle” but it is a beautiful and historic home.
Bacon’s Castle was built in 1665 and is the oldest brick dwelling in North America. It is an extremely rare example of High Jacobean architecture being one of only three surviving Jacobean great houses west of the Atlantic. The other two are in Barbados. Notable architectural features include the triple-stacked chimneys, shaped Flemish gables, and carved compass roses decorating the cross beams in many of the public rooms. The home also features a reconstructed 17th-century English formal garden restored by the Garden Club of Virginia. Several outbuildings also survive, including an 1830 slave dwelling.
It was once the home of Arthur Allen, a prosperous merchant and planter, and his family. Allen’s Brick House earned the moniker “Bacon’s Castle” in 1676 when several of Nathaniel Bacon’s men occupied the home for four months during the uprising that became known as Bacon’s Rebellion.
The grounds, outbuildings, gardens and picnic area are open to the public throughout the year during daylight hours. There is a free audio tour available with instructions on a sign in front of the house. March 1 through December 29 guests may tour the Castle and purchase merchandise in its gift shop on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sundays between 12 and 5 p.m. It is also open Memorial Day and Labor Day Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are priced at $10 General Admission, $9 with AAA, Senior and Military Discount, $7 Students, Children under 6 are free. You do not need to take it to complete this virtual cache but I highly recommend the tour.
To claim this virtual, go to the posted coordinates and email or message me with the answers to these 2 questions.
1)What is the structure in front of you?
2)What is its historical significance?
Photos are always welcome but please do not post pictures that would give the answers.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
Since receiving this Virtual Reward I've put a great deal of thought into placement. Some of my favorite virtuals have been at historical, out of the way locations. This really fits into both those categories. I enjoyed my visit to the castle and researching some of it's history. I hope you enjoy your visit. Thank you Geocaching HQ!